US8636028B2 - Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore - Google Patents

Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8636028B2
US8636028B2 US12/605,059 US60505909A US8636028B2 US 8636028 B2 US8636028 B2 US 8636028B2 US 60505909 A US60505909 A US 60505909A US 8636028 B2 US8636028 B2 US 8636028B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
propane
cylinder
connector
valve
flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US12/605,059
Other versions
US20110094608A1 (en
Inventor
R. F. Lane, III
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JAMES MANUFACTURING Inc
McWane Inc
Original Assignee
McWane Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US12/605,059 priority Critical patent/US8636028B2/en
Application filed by McWane Inc filed Critical McWane Inc
Assigned to MANCHESTER TANK AND EQUIPMENT reassignment MANCHESTER TANK AND EQUIPMENT ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LANE, R. F., III
Priority to PCT/US2010/053042 priority patent/WO2011049863A2/en
Priority to CA 2778463 priority patent/CA2778463A1/en
Priority to AU2010310851A priority patent/AU2010310851A1/en
Assigned to MCWANE, INC. reassignment MCWANE, INC. MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JAMES MANUFACTURING, INC.
Assigned to JAMES MANUFACTURING, INC. reassignment JAMES MANUFACTURING, INC. MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MANCHESTER TANK AND EQUIPMENT CO.
Publication of US20110094608A1 publication Critical patent/US20110094608A1/en
Publication of US8636028B2 publication Critical patent/US8636028B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to REGIONS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT reassignment REGIONS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MCWANE, INC.
Assigned to MCWANE, INC. reassignment MCWANE, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: REGIONS BANK
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
    • F16K1/30—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces specially adapted for pressure containers
    • F16K1/304—Shut-off valves with additional means
    • F16K1/305—Shut-off valves with additional means with valve member and actuator on the same side of the seat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0119—Shape cylindrical with flat end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0648—Alloys or compositions of metals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/0675—Synthetics with details of composition
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F17C2205/0385—Constructional details of valves, regulators in blocks or units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/221—Welding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0745—Gas bottles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
    • Y10T137/8342—Liquid level responsive indicator, recorder or alarm
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/86292—System with plural openings, one a gas vent or access opening
    • Y10T137/86324—Tank with gas vent and inlet or outlet
    • Y10T137/86332—Vent and inlet or outlet in unitary mounting
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/877—With flow control means for branched passages
    • Y10T137/87885—Sectional block structure
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
    • Y10T137/88046—Biased valve with external operator
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore, and more particularly to a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination.
  • One pound propane cylinders are frequently used to fuel appliances such as camping stoves, lanterns, torches and portable water heaters.
  • Current one pound propane cylinders are designed to the DOT 39 Specification which is defined in CFR 49 178.65 as “Specification 39 non-reusable (non-refillable) cylinders.”
  • one pound propane cylinders are single use containers and to be destroyed upon completion of use rather than refilled and reused.
  • the valves contained in these cylinders are likewise not to be used to refill the cylinders and are permanently attached to the cylinders with no provision for replacement. That is because the valves have no method for physically preventing the unintentional discharge of propane in the event of a back-check failure.
  • the relief valve of these cylinders is permanently attached to the cylinder with no method of replacement in the event of damage or defect and there is no fixed liquid level gauge on these containers, the use of which is needed to determine the maximum safe filling level of a container.
  • the present invention is directed to a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination.
  • a propane system including a refillable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing no more than about one pound of propane and a valve assembly detachably coupled to the cylinder.
  • the valve assembly includes a swivel outlet connector configured for operatively coupling the valve assembly to an appliance, a manually activated flow valve arranged for selectively preventing a flow of propane from the cylinder to the appliance, a relief valve spaced apart from the cylinder and a fixed liquid level gauge configured for alerting a safe filling level of the propane cylinder during cylinder refilling.
  • a Shrader valve is contained at least partially within a space defined by the swivel outlet connector for selectively allowing the flow of propane out of or into the cylinder.
  • a method of constructing a refillable propane system includes forming a valve body having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion.
  • a first passageway is formed through the valve body that exits the valve body through the upper portion, the lower portion and the first and second lateral portions.
  • a swivel outlet connector and Shrader valve assembly are coupled to the upper portion, a manually activated flow valve is coupled to the first lateral portion and a relief valve is coupled to the second lateral portion, all in line with the first passageway.
  • a second passageway is formed through the valve body that exist out of the valve body through a vent formed in a central portion of the valve body and the lower portion. This passageway in combination with a vent tube forms the fixed liquid level gauge.
  • the lower portion of the valve body is operatively coupled to a refillable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane or less.
  • a propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane and a valve body operatively coupled to the propane cylinder.
  • the valve body includes a first connector portion configured for operatively coupling the valve body to a propane fueled appliance, a relief valve portion, a channel fluidly connecting the cylinder volume, the connector portion and the relief valve portion, a flow disruptor configured for selectively fluidly disconnecting the cylinder volume from the first connector portion along the channel, and a vent tube extending into the cylinder volume and out of the valve body through a selectively sealable vent opening.
  • the first connector portion is rotatable and includes external threads and a back check valve positioned in the channel that is configured for allowing bi-directional flow of propane through the connector portion.
  • a pressurized propane source is fluidly coupled to the first connector portion and a flow of propane flows from the pressurized propane source, through the channel and into the cylinder.
  • a portion of the flow of propane flows through the vent tube and out of the valve body as a gas through the vent opening.
  • valve assembly eliminates the need for more than one opening in the cylinder and reduces the number of possible appurtenance leaks. Further, the combination allows the entire valve assembly to be replaced in the event of damage or defect without the need to dispose of the entire cylinder.
  • FIG. 1 is sectional view a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is another sectional view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is another elevational view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is top plan view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 1 through 5 depict a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Cylinder and valve combination 10 generally includes a propane cylinder 12 configured to contain about one pound of propane and an integral valve assembly 14 detachably coupled to cylinder 12 .
  • Cylinder 12 has the same or substantially same size and shape as current disposable one pound cylinders so as to fit and function with appliances designed for the disposable one pound cylinder versions.
  • cylinder 12 is constructed to the more robust 49 C.F.R. ⁇ 178.50 4B or 49 C.F.R. ⁇ 178.51 4BA cylinder specification which is used for refillable containers such as standard twenty pound propane grill cylinders and the like.
  • Valve assembly 14 is provided for attaching cylinder 12 to appliances and safely refilling cylinder 12 as needed.
  • Valve assembly 14 includes a lower threaded portion 16 coupled to cylinder 12 and a hand wheel assembly 18 arranged for turning off and on a flow of propane through valve assembly 14 .
  • An outlet connector 20 is provided for coupling the valve assembly to an appliance and a relief valve assembly 22 for relieving cylinder 12 internal pressure.
  • a fixed liquid level gauge 24 alerts a safe filling level of cylinder 12 during cylinder refilling.
  • cylinder 12 includes a continuous sidewall 26 , a substantially flat bottom wall 28 , a head portion 30 and a single opening 32 .
  • the threads of fitting 34 are clean-cut, even, without checks and tapped to gauge.
  • the threads of fitting 34 are tapered, and in such event, the length of the threads is not less than that specified for American Standard taper pipe threads.
  • a gasket (not shown) may be used to prevent leakage between lower threaded portion 16 and fitting 34 .
  • Cylinder 12 is manufactured using equipment and processes adequate to ensure that it conforms to the requirements of 49 C.F.R. ⁇ 178.50 4B and 49 C.F.R. ⁇ 178.51 4BA.
  • cylinder 12 is of welded or brazed steel construction and has a reasonably smooth and uniform surface finish. Any seams along head portion 30 or bottom wall 28 of cylinder 12 have a minimum thickness of not less than 90 percent of the required thickness of sidewall 26 . All circumferential seams are made by welding or by brazing, and the depth of brazing from the end of cylinder 12 is at least four times the thickness of sidewall 26 . All longitudinal seams in the shell of cylinder 12 are made by copper brazing, copper alloy brazing or by silver alloy brazing.
  • the copper alloy composition is copper 95 percent minimum, silicon 1.5 percent to 3.85 percent and manganese 0.25 percent to 1.10 percent.
  • silver alloy brazing the melting point of the silver alloy brazing material is in excess of 1,000° F.
  • the plate edge is lapped at least eight times the thickness of the plate, the laps being held in position, substantially metal to metal, by riveting or by electric spot-welding. Further, all brazing is done by using a suitable flux and placing brazing material on one side of a seam and applying heat until the material shows uniformly along the seam of the other side.
  • Cylinder 12 is operatively coupled to valve assembly 14 by screwing valve assembly 14 onto cylinder 12 and engaging lower threaded portion 16 of the valve assembly with fitting 34 of cylinder 12 .
  • valve assembly 14 is configured to fluidly couple the interior volume of cylinder 12 with a propane run appliance or a source of pressurized propane when cylinder 12 is to be filled. Further, means are provided for indicating when cylinder 12 becomes full during filling operations and relieving pressure within cylinder 12 when necessary or desired.
  • valve assembly 14 comprises a valve body having a primary channel that extends through and between outlet connector 20 along an upper section of the channel and lower threaded portion 16 along a lower section 38 of the channel.
  • the upper section is divided into lower portion 40 having a first diameter and an upper portion 42 having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.
  • the transition between lower portion 40 and upper portion 42 forms a seat on which a nylon packing 44 is situated for forming a seal between the seat and outlet connector 20 .
  • Outlet connector 20 rests upon the seat and nylon packing 46 and is fixed within upper portion 42 of the upper section of the primary channel by any suitable means known in the art. As illustrated, connector 20 is screwed into upper portion 42 , and thus, is readily replaceable.
  • outlet connector 20 includes a bottom section 46 that is coupled to and contained within upper portion 42 of the upper section of the primary channel. At least partially contained within bottom section 46 of outlet connector 20 and within the upper section of the primary channel is a Shrader valve or back check valve 56 .
  • Back check valve 56 includes a pin 58 which upon compression allows propane to flow in or out of cylinder 12 depending on which side back check valve 56 is more highly pressurized.
  • a replaceable brass retainer ring 60 is used to secure back check valve 56 and an O-ring seal within outlet connector 20 .
  • a middle section 48 of connector 20 extends upward beyond the upper edge of the valve body and is encircled by an externally threaded swivel 50 configured to couple with a propane appliance or pressurized propane source.
  • the threads of swivel 50 are configured for connecting outlet connector 20 to appliances meeting the CGA 600 specifications such as conventional soldering torches and camp stoves and lanterns.
  • the connection threads are provided on swivel 50 for reducing stress on valve assembly 14 .
  • cylinder 12 is not rotated into the appliance connection. Rather, cylinder 12 is rigidly held and swivel 50 is rotated to achieve a leak free seal with the appliance.
  • a connecting portion 62 of the primary channel which connects the upper section with a middle portion of the primary channel.
  • the middle portion forms a first chamber 66 that partially contains hand wheel assembly 18 which is used to turn on or off the flow of propane through valve assembly 14 .
  • chamber 66 includes a hole 68 that opens directly into a lower section 38 of the primary channel.
  • Hand wheel assembly 18 is configured to selectively block the flow of propane through hole 68 as desired. This is accomplished by providing a hand wheel 70 coupled to an exterior end of a spindle 72 using a set screw 74 .
  • Spindle 72 extends into chamber 66 in the direction of hole 68 and terminates in a blunt end arranged to block hole 86 .
  • Hand wheel 70 is rotated counter-clockwise and spindle 72 thereby moved away from hole 86 to open propane flow through the primary channel thus allowing propane to flow through valve assembly 14 between cylinder 12 and an appliance.
  • Hand-wheel is rotated clockwise and thereby moved toward hole 86 to physically and positively stop the flow of propane through the valve assembly 14 .
  • spindle 72 is inserted through a gland nut 78 and a stem seat disc 80 located within chamber 66 .
  • Relief valve assembly 22 is of the present invention is more robust and sturdy construction than on current, non-refillable, containers. To that end, relief valve assembly 22 includes a poppet disc 84 , a poppet 86 , a relief valve spring 88 , a safety cap 90 and a safety relief cover 92 . Relief valve assembly 22 is pointed in a horizontal direction, and in conjunction with swivel 50 , insures that any potential discharge is directed safely away from any sources of ignition.
  • Lower section 38 of the primary channel extends downwardly from between first chamber 66 and second chamber 82 to open into cylinder 12 .
  • a bent or curved ferrule 94 is appended to the bottom of lower threaded portion 16 thus extending the primary channel into cylinder 12 .
  • Propane fuel entering into the primary channel enters through an aperture at the end of ferrule 94 .
  • a secondary channel 98 extends parallel to lower section 38 of the primary channel. Secondary channel 98 extends between a vent tube 100 having a deflector 102 , both of which extend into cylinder 12 , and a vent 104 that exits the valve body through the center portion thereof between the hand wheel assembly and the relief valve assembly. Vent 104 is composed of a vent plug 106 and a vent plug disc 108 . Together, the secondary channel 98 , vent tube 100 and vent 104 form fixed liquid level gauge 24 . Fixed liquid level gauge 24 is opened by opening vent plug 106 during the filling and refilling processes to allow the escape of internal pressure within cylinder 12 caused by the presence of propane vapor. When liquid propane discharges from vent 104 , the safe maximum fill level has been reached, and the filling process is terminated.

Abstract

A propane system including a refillable and reusable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing no more than about one pound of propane and a valve assembly detachably coupled to the cylinder. The valve assembly includes a swivel outlet connector configured for operatively coupling the valve assembly to an appliance, a manually activated flow valve arranged for selectively preventing a flow of propane from the cylinder to the appliance, a relief valve and a fixed liquid level gauge configured for alerting a safe filling level of the propane cylinder during cylinder refilling. A back check valve is contained at least partially within a space defined by the swivel outlet connector for selectively allowing the flow of propane out of the valve assembly to a propane fueled appliance or into the valve assembly from a propane source and into the cylinder.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore, and more particularly to a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One pound propane cylinders are frequently used to fuel appliances such as camping stoves, lanterns, torches and portable water heaters. Current one pound propane cylinders are designed to the DOT 39 Specification which is defined in CFR 49 178.65 as “Specification 39 non-reusable (non-refillable) cylinders.” As such, one pound propane cylinders are single use containers and to be destroyed upon completion of use rather than refilled and reused. The valves contained in these cylinders are likewise not to be used to refill the cylinders and are permanently attached to the cylinders with no provision for replacement. That is because the valves have no method for physically preventing the unintentional discharge of propane in the event of a back-check failure. Further, the relief valve of these cylinders is permanently attached to the cylinder with no method of replacement in the event of damage or defect and there is no fixed liquid level gauge on these containers, the use of which is needed to determine the maximum safe filling level of a container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a propane system including a refillable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing no more than about one pound of propane and a valve assembly detachably coupled to the cylinder. The valve assembly includes a swivel outlet connector configured for operatively coupling the valve assembly to an appliance, a manually activated flow valve arranged for selectively preventing a flow of propane from the cylinder to the appliance, a relief valve spaced apart from the cylinder and a fixed liquid level gauge configured for alerting a safe filling level of the propane cylinder during cylinder refilling. A Shrader valve is contained at least partially within a space defined by the swivel outlet connector for selectively allowing the flow of propane out of or into the cylinder.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a refillable propane system. The method includes forming a valve body having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion. A first passageway is formed through the valve body that exits the valve body through the upper portion, the lower portion and the first and second lateral portions. Thereafter, a swivel outlet connector and Shrader valve assembly are coupled to the upper portion, a manually activated flow valve is coupled to the first lateral portion and a relief valve is coupled to the second lateral portion, all in line with the first passageway. A second passageway is formed through the valve body that exist out of the valve body through a vent formed in a central portion of the valve body and the lower portion. This passageway in combination with a vent tube forms the fixed liquid level gauge. Thereafter, the lower portion of the valve body is operatively coupled to a refillable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane or less.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane and a valve body operatively coupled to the propane cylinder. The valve body includes a first connector portion configured for operatively coupling the valve body to a propane fueled appliance, a relief valve portion, a channel fluidly connecting the cylinder volume, the connector portion and the relief valve portion, a flow disruptor configured for selectively fluidly disconnecting the cylinder volume from the first connector portion along the channel, and a vent tube extending into the cylinder volume and out of the valve body through a selectively sealable vent opening. Preferably, the first connector portion is rotatable and includes external threads and a back check valve positioned in the channel that is configured for allowing bi-directional flow of propane through the connector portion. To refill the cylinder, a pressurized propane source is fluidly coupled to the first connector portion and a flow of propane flows from the pressurized propane source, through the channel and into the cylinder. To indicate that the cylinder is filled, a portion of the flow of propane flows through the vent tube and out of the valve body as a gas through the vent opening.
The combination of features described above in one valve assembly eliminates the need for more than one opening in the cylinder and reduces the number of possible appurtenance leaks. Further, the combination allows the entire valve assembly to be replaced in the event of damage or defect without the need to dispose of the entire cylinder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is sectional view a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is another sectional view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is another elevational view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is top plan view of the cylinder and valve combination depicted in FIG. 1.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 through 5 depict a refillable and reusable one pound propane cylinder and valve assembly combination 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cylinder and valve combination 10 generally includes a propane cylinder 12 configured to contain about one pound of propane and an integral valve assembly 14 detachably coupled to cylinder 12. Cylinder 12 has the same or substantially same size and shape as current disposable one pound cylinders so as to fit and function with appliances designed for the disposable one pound cylinder versions. However, cylinder 12 is constructed to the more robust 49 C.F.R. §178.50 4B or 49 C.F.R. §178.51 4BA cylinder specification which is used for refillable containers such as standard twenty pound propane grill cylinders and the like. Valve assembly 14 is provided for attaching cylinder 12 to appliances and safely refilling cylinder 12 as needed. Valve assembly 14 includes a lower threaded portion 16 coupled to cylinder 12 and a hand wheel assembly 18 arranged for turning off and on a flow of propane through valve assembly 14. An outlet connector 20 is provided for coupling the valve assembly to an appliance and a relief valve assembly 22 for relieving cylinder 12 internal pressure. A fixed liquid level gauge 24 alerts a safe filling level of cylinder 12 during cylinder refilling.
More particularly, referring to FIGS. 1-5, cylinder 12 includes a continuous sidewall 26, a substantially flat bottom wall 28, a head portion 30 and a single opening 32. About opening 32 there is provided an internally threaded fitting 34 securely attached to the exterior of head portion 30 by brazing or by welding. The threads of fitting 34 are clean-cut, even, without checks and tapped to gauge. Preferably, the threads of fitting 34 are tapered, and in such event, the length of the threads is not less than that specified for American Standard taper pipe threads. When the threads are straight threads, at least four threads are engaged with four threads of lower portion 16, said threads having a calculated shear strength of at least 10 times the test pressure of cylinder 12. A gasket (not shown) may be used to prevent leakage between lower threaded portion 16 and fitting 34.
Cylinder 12 is manufactured using equipment and processes adequate to ensure that it conforms to the requirements of 49 C.F.R. §178.50 4B and 49 C.F.R. §178.51 4BA. Thus, cylinder 12 is of welded or brazed steel construction and has a reasonably smooth and uniform surface finish. Any seams along head portion 30 or bottom wall 28 of cylinder 12 have a minimum thickness of not less than 90 percent of the required thickness of sidewall 26. All circumferential seams are made by welding or by brazing, and the depth of brazing from the end of cylinder 12 is at least four times the thickness of sidewall 26. All longitudinal seams in the shell of cylinder 12 are made by copper brazing, copper alloy brazing or by silver alloy brazing. Where copper alloy brazing is used, the copper alloy composition is copper 95 percent minimum, silicon 1.5 percent to 3.85 percent and manganese 0.25 percent to 1.10 percent. Where silver alloy brazing is used the melting point of the silver alloy brazing material is in excess of 1,000° F. In each instance, the plate edge is lapped at least eight times the thickness of the plate, the laps being held in position, substantially metal to metal, by riveting or by electric spot-welding. Further, all brazing is done by using a suitable flux and placing brazing material on one side of a seam and applying heat until the material shows uniformly along the seam of the other side.
Cylinder 12 is operatively coupled to valve assembly 14 by screwing valve assembly 14 onto cylinder 12 and engaging lower threaded portion 16 of the valve assembly with fitting 34 of cylinder 12. So arranged, valve assembly 14 is configured to fluidly couple the interior volume of cylinder 12 with a propane run appliance or a source of pressurized propane when cylinder 12 is to be filled. Further, means are provided for indicating when cylinder 12 becomes full during filling operations and relieving pressure within cylinder 12 when necessary or desired.
More particularly, valve assembly 14 comprises a valve body having a primary channel that extends through and between outlet connector 20 along an upper section of the channel and lower threaded portion 16 along a lower section 38 of the channel. The upper section is divided into lower portion 40 having a first diameter and an upper portion 42 having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The transition between lower portion 40 and upper portion 42 forms a seat on which a nylon packing 44 is situated for forming a seal between the seat and outlet connector 20. Outlet connector 20 rests upon the seat and nylon packing 46 and is fixed within upper portion 42 of the upper section of the primary channel by any suitable means known in the art. As illustrated, connector 20 is screwed into upper portion 42, and thus, is readily replaceable. Specifically, outlet connector 20 includes a bottom section 46 that is coupled to and contained within upper portion 42 of the upper section of the primary channel. At least partially contained within bottom section 46 of outlet connector 20 and within the upper section of the primary channel is a Shrader valve or back check valve 56. Back check valve 56 includes a pin 58 which upon compression allows propane to flow in or out of cylinder 12 depending on which side back check valve 56 is more highly pressurized. A replaceable brass retainer ring 60 is used to secure back check valve 56 and an O-ring seal within outlet connector 20.
A middle section 48 of connector 20 extends upward beyond the upper edge of the valve body and is encircled by an externally threaded swivel 50 configured to couple with a propane appliance or pressurized propane source. Specifically, the threads of swivel 50 are configured for connecting outlet connector 20 to appliances meeting the CGA 600 specifications such as conventional soldering torches and camp stoves and lanterns. The connection threads are provided on swivel 50 for reducing stress on valve assembly 14. Thus, cylinder 12 is not rotated into the appliance connection. Rather, cylinder 12 is rigidly held and swivel 50 is rotated to achieve a leak free seal with the appliance.
Referring to FIG. 1, extending at an angle downward from a corner of lower portion 40 of the upper section of the primary channel is a connecting portion 62 of the primary channel which connects the upper section with a middle portion of the primary channel. The middle portion forms a first chamber 66 that partially contains hand wheel assembly 18 which is used to turn on or off the flow of propane through valve assembly 14. In particular, chamber 66 includes a hole 68 that opens directly into a lower section 38 of the primary channel. Hand wheel assembly 18 is configured to selectively block the flow of propane through hole 68 as desired. This is accomplished by providing a hand wheel 70 coupled to an exterior end of a spindle 72 using a set screw 74. Spindle 72 extends into chamber 66 in the direction of hole 68 and terminates in a blunt end arranged to block hole 86. Hand wheel 70 is rotated counter-clockwise and spindle 72 thereby moved away from hole 86 to open propane flow through the primary channel thus allowing propane to flow through valve assembly 14 between cylinder 12 and an appliance. Hand-wheel is rotated clockwise and thereby moved toward hole 86 to physically and positively stop the flow of propane through the valve assembly 14. To rotatably maintain spindle 72 within chamber 66, spindle 72 is inserted through a gland nut 78 and a stem seat disc 80 located within chamber 66.
Opposite to and aligned with first chamber 66 is a second chamber 82 formed within the valve body. Second chamber 82 is fluidly coupled to the primary channel and provided for housing relief valve assembly 22. Relief valve assembly 22 is of the present invention is more robust and sturdy construction than on current, non-refillable, containers. To that end, relief valve assembly 22 includes a poppet disc 84, a poppet 86, a relief valve spring 88, a safety cap 90 and a safety relief cover 92. Relief valve assembly 22 is pointed in a horizontal direction, and in conjunction with swivel 50, insures that any potential discharge is directed safely away from any sources of ignition.
Lower section 38 of the primary channel extends downwardly from between first chamber 66 and second chamber 82 to open into cylinder 12. A bent or curved ferrule 94 is appended to the bottom of lower threaded portion 16 thus extending the primary channel into cylinder 12. Propane fuel entering into the primary channel enters through an aperture at the end of ferrule 94.
A secondary channel 98 extends parallel to lower section 38 of the primary channel. Secondary channel 98 extends between a vent tube 100 having a deflector 102, both of which extend into cylinder 12, and a vent 104 that exits the valve body through the center portion thereof between the hand wheel assembly and the relief valve assembly. Vent 104 is composed of a vent plug 106 and a vent plug disc 108. Together, the secondary channel 98, vent tube 100 and vent 104 form fixed liquid level gauge 24. Fixed liquid level gauge 24 is opened by opening vent plug 106 during the filling and refilling processes to allow the escape of internal pressure within cylinder 12 caused by the presence of propane vapor. When liquid propane discharges from vent 104, the safe maximum fill level has been reached, and the filling process is terminated.
As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, various modifications can be made within the scope of the aforesaid description. Such modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the art form a part of the present invention and are embraced by the claims below.

Claims (17)

It is claimed:
1. A propane system comprising,
a refillable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing no more than about one pound of propane, and
a valve assembly detachably coupled to the cylinder, the valve assembly including,
an outlet connector configured for operatively coupling the valve assembly to an appliance, the outlet connector including a swivel connector having outwardly facing threads configured for coupling to the appliance and a fixed central bore portion about which the swivel connector and outwardly facing threads are arranged to swivel,
a manually activated flow valve arranged for selectively preventing a flow of propane from the cylinder to the appliance,
a bi-directional flow valve disposed within the central bore of the outlet connector and between and in fluid communication with an outlet opening of the outlet connector and the manually activated flow valve, the bi-directional flow valve being configured for allowing a pressurized fluid to selectively flow out of the valve assembly through the outlet connector when the outlet connector is coupled to the appliance and into the valve assembly through the outlet connector when the outlet connector is coupled to a pressurized source of propane,
a relief valve spaced apart from the cylinder, and
a fixed liquid level gauge configured for alerting a safe filling level of the propane cylinder during cylinder refilling,
wherein the manually activated flow valve is substantially aligned with the relief valve and, when the manually activated flow valve is in a closed position, the outlet connector is fluidly disconnected from the refillable propane cylinder by the manually activated flow valve, and
wherein the valve assembly excludes a refill connector separate from the outlet connector.
2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the bi-directional flow valve is a Schrader valve.
3. The system according to claim 1 wherein the valve assembly includes a threaded body portion detachably coupled to a threaded opening of the cylinder.
4. The system according to claim 3 wherein the threaded body portion is substantially aligned with the outlet connector.
5. A method of constructing a refillable propane system comprising,
forming a valve body having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion,
providing an outlet connector including a swivel connector having outwardly facing threads and a fixed central bore portion about which the swivel connector and outwardly facing threads are arranged to swivel,
operatively coupling the outlet connector to the upper portion by coupling the fixed central bore portion to the upper portion,
inserting a bi-directional flow valve within the fixed central bore portion, the bi-directional flow valve being configured for allowing a pressurized fluid to selectively flow out of the valve body through the outlet connector when the outlet connector is coupled to an appliance and into the valve body through the outlet connector when the outlet connector is coupled to a pressurized source of propane,
operatively coupling a manually activated flow valve to the first lateral portion,
operatively coupling a relief valve to the second lateral portion, wherein the relief valve is substantially aligned with the manually activated flow valve,
operatively coupling a fixed liquid level gauge to the lower portion,
operatively coupling the lower portion to a refillable propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane or less, and
configuring the manually activated flow valve to prevent a fluid flow from the outlet connector to the refillable propane cylinder when the manually activated flow valve is in a closed position,
wherein the valve body excludes a refill connector separate from the outlet connector.
6. The method according to claim 5 including forming a first passageway through the valve body that exits the valve body through the upper portion, the lower portion, and the second lateral portion.
7. The method according to claim 6 including forming a second passageway through the valve body that extends out of the valve body, through the fixed liquid level gauge and into the cylinder volume.
8. The method according to claim 5 including substantially aligning the upper portion with the lower portion and the first lateral portion with the second lateral portion.
9. The method according to claim 5 including detachably coupling the lower portion to the refillable propane cylinder.
10. A propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane, and a valve body operatively coupled to the propane cylinder, the valve body comprising,
a first connector portion configured for operatively coupling the valve body to a propane fueled appliance, the first connector portion including a swivel connector portion having outwardly facing threads and a fixed central bore portion about which the swivel connector portion and outwardly facing threads are arranged to swivel,
a bi-directional flow valve contained within the first connector portion and being stationary relative to the swivel connector portion, the bi-directional flow valve being configured for allowing a pressurized fluid to selectively flow out of the valve body through the first connector portion when the first connector portion is coupled to the propane fueled appliance and into the valve body through the first connector portion when the first connector portion is coupled to a pressurized source of propane,
a relief valve portion,
a channel fluidly connecting the cylinder volume, the first connector portion and the relief valve portion,
a flow disruptor substantially aligned with the relief valve portion configured for selectively fluidly disconnecting the cylinder volume from the first connector portion along the channel, and
a vent tube extending into the cylinder volume and out of the valve body through a selectively sealable vent opening,
wherein, when the flow disrupter is in a closed position, the first connector portion is fluidly disconnected from the propane cylinder by the flow disrupter, and
wherein the valve body excludes a refill connector separate from the first connector portion.
11. The propane cylinder according to claim 10 wherein the bi-directional flow valve is a Schrader valve.
12. The propane cylinder according to claim 10 wherein the flow disruptor includes a manually operated hand wheel coupled to a spindle, the spindle having an end portion configured for selectively obstructing the channel.
13. The propane cylinder according to claim 10 wherein the valve body includes a threaded portion coupled directly to a threaded portion of the cylinder.
14. The propane cylinder according to claim 10 including a pressurized propane source fluidly coupled to the first connector portion and a flow of propane flowing from the pressurized propane source, through the channel and into the cylinder.
15. The propane cylinder according to claim 14 wherein a portion of the flow of propane flows through the vent tube and out of the valve body through the vent opening.
16. The propane cylinder according to claim 10 wherein the cylinder includes a single external opening.
17. A propane cylinder having a volume configured for containing about one pound of propane, and a valve body operatively coupled to the propane cylinder, the valve body comprising,
a first connector portion configured for operatively coupling the valve body to a propane fueled appliance, the first connector portion including a swivel connector portion having outwardly facing threads and a fixed central bore portion about which the swivel connector portion and outwardly facing threads are arranged to swivel,
a bi-directional flow valve disposed within the first connector portion and being stationary relative to the swivel connector portion, the bi-directional flow valve being configured for allowing a pressurized fluid to selectively flow out of the valve body through the first connector portion when the first connector portion is coupled to the appliance and into the valve body through the first connector portion when the first connector portion is coupled to a pressurized source of propane,
a relief valve portion,
a channel fluidly connecting the cylinder volume, the first connector portion and the relief valve portion, and
a flow disruptor configured for selectively fluidly disconnecting the cylinder volume from the first connector portion along the channel,
wherein the flow disrupter is substantially aligned with the relief valve portion and, when the flow disrupter is in a closed position, the first connector is fluidly disconnected from the propane cylinder by the flow disrupter,
wherein the valve body excludes a refill connector separate from the first connector portion.
US12/605,059 2009-10-23 2009-10-23 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore Active 2031-03-26 US8636028B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/605,059 US8636028B2 (en) 2009-10-23 2009-10-23 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore
PCT/US2010/053042 WO2011049863A2 (en) 2009-10-23 2010-10-18 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore
CA 2778463 CA2778463A1 (en) 2009-10-23 2010-10-18 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore
AU2010310851A AU2010310851A1 (en) 2009-10-23 2010-10-18 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/605,059 US8636028B2 (en) 2009-10-23 2009-10-23 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110094608A1 US20110094608A1 (en) 2011-04-28
US8636028B2 true US8636028B2 (en) 2014-01-28

Family

ID=43897363

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/605,059 Active 2031-03-26 US8636028B2 (en) 2009-10-23 2009-10-23 Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US8636028B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2010310851A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2778463A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011049863A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190032789A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Shmuel Dovid Newman Cylinder valve assembly with actuatable on-off control

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DK3611423T3 (en) * 2018-08-14 2021-01-25 CleanTech Swiss AG FITTING FOR BOTTLE GAS BOTTLES
CN112534177B (en) * 2018-08-14 2022-12-20 瑞士清洁技术股份公司 Fitting for a liquefied gas cylinder
US11692657B2 (en) 2019-03-22 2023-07-04 Fastest, Inc. Quick connect fluid connector, swivel, and combination thereof

Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1564965A (en) * 1923-04-21 1925-12-08 Edgar J Phillips Pipe coupling
US2218318A (en) * 1939-05-01 1940-10-15 Blackhawk Mfg Co Detachable conduit coupling
US3058719A (en) 1960-03-15 1962-10-16 Selwyn Pacific Company Fluid control valve
US3234745A (en) * 1962-01-24 1966-02-15 Fisher Governor Co Multiple tank filling system
US3356335A (en) * 1965-03-31 1967-12-05 Whitey Research Tool Co Sample cylinder valve
US3885589A (en) 1972-05-18 1975-05-27 Gurtner Sa Cock and pressure-reducer unit for liquefied-gas reservoirs
US4360038A (en) 1980-08-18 1982-11-23 Sherwood Selpac Corporation Magnetically-operated valve
US4462417A (en) 1982-09-20 1984-07-31 Sherwood Selpac Corp. Valve assembly
US4635480A (en) 1984-10-15 1987-01-13 Rochester Gauges, Inc. Density compensating float
US5228474A (en) 1991-11-05 1993-07-20 Precision General, Inc. Flow system disconnect and method
US5330155A (en) 1991-11-05 1994-07-19 Harsco Corporation Pressure-loaded cylinder valve insert
US5549130A (en) 1995-02-27 1996-08-27 Gas Guard West, Inc. Gas appliance upset shutoff valve
US5553638A (en) 1995-04-24 1996-09-10 Home; William Pressure-loaded cylinder valve insert
US5582201A (en) 1994-11-09 1996-12-10 S. H. Leggitt Company Gas safety shutoff apparatus
US5581986A (en) 1994-08-12 1996-12-10 Envirogard, Inc. Low polluting lawn mower
US5653256A (en) * 1995-09-28 1997-08-05 Nissan Research & Development, Inc. Charge valve assembly
US6250603B1 (en) 1999-11-24 2001-06-26 Prime Solutions, Llc Adjustable device for opening service valves
US6863087B1 (en) * 1997-06-18 2005-03-08 Weh Wolfgang Filling connection for a gas bottle valve
US6895952B1 (en) 2003-11-05 2005-05-24 Marshall Excelsior Company Appliance end fitting
US6908070B2 (en) 2002-07-22 2005-06-21 Taiwan Pao Cylinder valve insert
US20060157664A1 (en) 2005-01-14 2006-07-20 Huff G L Safety valve having swivel connector
US7089956B1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2006-08-15 Gilbert Davidson Portable gas delivery device with impact protection
US7461828B2 (en) 2005-04-11 2008-12-09 Scg Co., Ltd. Check valve

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US157664A (en) * 1874-12-08 Improvement in washing-machines
JP3074670U (en) * 2000-07-07 2001-01-19 タスコジャパン株式会社 Refrigerant recovery valve
EP1378703A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-01-07 Repsol Butano, S.A. Free-outlet for the connection to liquid petroleum gas containers, with blocking means
US20080307800A1 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-18 Arbel Medical Ltd. Siphon for Delivery of Liquid Cryogen from Dewar Flask

Patent Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1564965A (en) * 1923-04-21 1925-12-08 Edgar J Phillips Pipe coupling
US2218318A (en) * 1939-05-01 1940-10-15 Blackhawk Mfg Co Detachable conduit coupling
US3058719A (en) 1960-03-15 1962-10-16 Selwyn Pacific Company Fluid control valve
US3234745A (en) * 1962-01-24 1966-02-15 Fisher Governor Co Multiple tank filling system
US3356335A (en) * 1965-03-31 1967-12-05 Whitey Research Tool Co Sample cylinder valve
US3885589A (en) 1972-05-18 1975-05-27 Gurtner Sa Cock and pressure-reducer unit for liquefied-gas reservoirs
US4360038A (en) 1980-08-18 1982-11-23 Sherwood Selpac Corporation Magnetically-operated valve
US4462417A (en) 1982-09-20 1984-07-31 Sherwood Selpac Corp. Valve assembly
US4635480A (en) 1984-10-15 1987-01-13 Rochester Gauges, Inc. Density compensating float
US5330155A (en) 1991-11-05 1994-07-19 Harsco Corporation Pressure-loaded cylinder valve insert
US5228474A (en) 1991-11-05 1993-07-20 Precision General, Inc. Flow system disconnect and method
US5581986A (en) 1994-08-12 1996-12-10 Envirogard, Inc. Low polluting lawn mower
US5582201A (en) 1994-11-09 1996-12-10 S. H. Leggitt Company Gas safety shutoff apparatus
US5549130A (en) 1995-02-27 1996-08-27 Gas Guard West, Inc. Gas appliance upset shutoff valve
US5553638A (en) 1995-04-24 1996-09-10 Home; William Pressure-loaded cylinder valve insert
US5653256A (en) * 1995-09-28 1997-08-05 Nissan Research & Development, Inc. Charge valve assembly
US6863087B1 (en) * 1997-06-18 2005-03-08 Weh Wolfgang Filling connection for a gas bottle valve
US6250603B1 (en) 1999-11-24 2001-06-26 Prime Solutions, Llc Adjustable device for opening service valves
US6908070B2 (en) 2002-07-22 2005-06-21 Taiwan Pao Cylinder valve insert
US6895952B1 (en) 2003-11-05 2005-05-24 Marshall Excelsior Company Appliance end fitting
US7089956B1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2006-08-15 Gilbert Davidson Portable gas delivery device with impact protection
US20060157664A1 (en) 2005-01-14 2006-07-20 Huff G L Safety valve having swivel connector
US7461828B2 (en) 2005-04-11 2008-12-09 Scg Co., Ltd. Check valve

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190032789A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Shmuel Dovid Newman Cylinder valve assembly with actuatable on-off control
US10865884B2 (en) * 2017-07-31 2020-12-15 Ysn Imports, Inc. Cylinder valve assembly with actuatable on-off control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2010310851A1 (en) 2012-05-17
WO2011049863A3 (en) 2011-08-18
WO2011049863A2 (en) 2011-04-28
CA2778463A1 (en) 2011-04-28
US20110094608A1 (en) 2011-04-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8479767B2 (en) Combined fill and safety vent plug
US8636028B2 (en) Refillable propane cylinder and valve assembly therefore
US9371914B2 (en) Pressurized fluid cylinders
US6742538B1 (en) Method and apparatus for orbital and seal welded relief device on a compressed gas cylinder
RU2009149044A (en) HIGH PRESSURE RESERVOIR, IN PARTICULAR, CONSISTING OF FOUR HOUSING ELEMENTS
EA033994B1 (en) Fitting for liquid gas cylinders and filling method
US20090256356A1 (en) Motor fuel connector with replaceable tip seal
US20090165870A1 (en) Manifold assembly
KR20130136238A (en) Solenoid valve for fluid control
KR101016773B1 (en) Gas sylinder of inflaction type having pressure control valve
US2548352A (en) Combined filling and dispensing valve for volatile liquids
US3164308A (en) Containers for liquified fuel gas
KR200450037Y1 (en) A flashback arrestor
US2527359A (en) Dispensing and filling valve for volatile liquids with filling gauge
US1698156A (en) Double-acting check valve for compressed gases
US20120125457A1 (en) Gas diversion device and method for pipe repair therewith
US7588231B2 (en) Low emission, fixed maximum liquid level gauge and valve
CA3105416C (en) Fitting for liquid gas bottles
US9328870B2 (en) Flow regulator for nitrogen purging, system and method
JP2005016709A (en) Gas cylinder, valve device for the same, and connecting structure of gas cylinder and valve device
US2115195A (en) Safety outlet device
ES2847173T3 (en) Valve for liquefied gas cylinders
RU2100270C1 (en) Dispensing cock for reservoirs and barrels containing drinks
US20110284789A1 (en) Valve unit for pressure vessels
KR200242602Y1 (en) butane gas vessel

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MANCHESTER TANK AND EQUIPMENT, TENNESSEE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LANE, R. F., III;REEL/FRAME:023428/0466

Effective date: 20091022

AS Assignment

Owner name: MCWANE, INC., ALABAMA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:JAMES MANUFACTURING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026015/0001

Effective date: 20101220

Owner name: JAMES MANUFACTURING, INC., DELAWARE

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:MANCHESTER TANK AND EQUIPMENT CO.;REEL/FRAME:026013/0171

Effective date: 20101220

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: REGIONS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, GEORGIA

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MCWANE, INC.;REEL/FRAME:043973/0628

Effective date: 20171026

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: 7.5 YR SURCHARGE - LATE PMT W/IN 6 MO, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1555); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8

AS Assignment

Owner name: MCWANE, INC., ALABAMA

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:REGIONS BANK;REEL/FRAME:060897/0646

Effective date: 20220816